The Nigerian Senate has dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, declared the petition “dead on arrival” due to procedural violations. Specifically, Akpoti-Uduaghan personally signed the petition, contravening Senate Order 40(4), which prohibits senators from presenting petitions they have signed themselves.
Additionally, the committee noted that the allegations were sub judice, as they were already under judicial consideration, placing them beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction. Akpabio has denied the allegations, stating he has never harassed Akpoti-Uduaghan or anyone else.
The committee also addressed an interim order from the Federal High Court in Abuja, which sought to halt the Senate’s investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged misconduct. Chairman Imasuen dismissed the court’s directive, asserting that the judiciary has no authority over internal parliamentary proceedings.
In addition to rejecting her petition, the Senate Committee on Ethics has decided to proceed with an investigation into Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged disorderly conduct during a plenary session on February 20, 2025. Reports indicate that she refused to comply with the Senate’s sitting arrangement, which led to a disruption during proceedings. The committee views this as a breach of legislative decorum and has decided to examine the incident further. This investigation remains separate from her petition against Akpabio but adds to the tensions surrounding her recent actions in the Senate.
